Many sports are not simply pastimes developed out of need for recreation. Some sports, such as fencing, were products of social climates and even political rivalry; and for some cultures steeped in tradition, certain sports have such great value that the sport and culture are inseparable. Though the word itself means an athletic activity often of a competitive nature, in Japan, the word "sport" often takes on much more meaning.
Kendo
In kendo, meaning "the way of the sword," two fencers wearing protectors, including masks and chest guards, compete by attempting to strike the opponent's mask or chest with a bamboo sword. Kendo is the art of Japanese samurai swordsmanship. It is one of the more loud and chaotic traditional Japanese sports because kendo students, also known as kendoka, shout and stomp their feet when competing to express their fighting spirits, the "Army Times" newspaper reports.
Tosenkyo
Tosenkyo is a sport involving the throwing of the folding fans you might have brought home as a souvenir; it cultivates a respectful mind and increases concentration, the "Japan Times" newspaper reports. Two pieces of red cloth, nearly 15 feet long, are placed side by side. Opponents sit on cushions facing each other on opposite ends. Taking turns, they throw fans at a fan-shaped silk figurine called a cho (butterfly) on a 7-inch-high stand called a makura (pillow). The goal is to knock the cho off the makura.
Karate
Karate is a system of combat that uses sharp blows and kicks rather than weapons. Fighters target specific points on the body sensitive to pressure. A strictly self-defense sport, abuse of ability is shunned, as karate is geared more toward disarming opponents rather than fatally injuring them. A black belt is the highest degree of achievement, and earning a black belt requires a multi-step test measuring endurance, skill and knowledge of technique, the Scranton, Pennsylvania, "Times-Tribune" reports.
Sumo Wrestling
Sumo wrestling is the most traditional sport in Japan, according to "Time" magazine. With a 1,500-year history, it is believed to embody the soul of Japan. Japanese legend claims that the very origin of the Japanese race depended on the outcome of a sumo match. Wearing only loincloths and hair swept into knots, the wrestlers are meant to serve as oversize poster boys for the ultimate Japanese virtues: dignity, honor, discipline and strength.
References
- "Army Times"; Warrior Workout: Wield a Sword as You Test Your Martial-Arts Mettle; Chris Lawson; August 2010
- "Japan Times"; Fly Fanboys in the Living Room: The Entertaining Traditional Japanese Sport of Tosenkyo is Zen ... ish; Raju Thakrar; July 20, 2008
- "Time" magazine; Cleaning Up Sumo; Hannah Beech and Toko Sekiguchi; Aug. 23, 2010
- Kendo America: About Kendo
- "The Times-Tribune" (Scranton, Pennsylvania); Around the Schools; Nov. 9, 2009
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